1st Special Report - The constitutional relationship with the Crown Dependencies: Government Response

This is the government's response, published 19 December 2024.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government agrees with the Committee that the relationship with the Crown Dependencies "remains strong and valuable" and responds to each of its recommendations in turn, with agreement on some, notes on others and disagreement on the Permissive Extent Clause in the Fisheries Act 2020.

• On senior contact, the government "notes" the recommendation that the Permanent Secretary meet her counterparts twice a year, but does not think seniority "should be the decisive factor"; meetings should occur "as needed".
• On a formal framework, the government says codifying the relationship "could risk undermining the flexibility and adaptability" that has benefited it, but the Ministry of Justice "will carefully consider" a framework and seek the Crown Dependencies' views.
• On the Permissive Extent Clause in the Fisheries Act 2020, the government "do[es] not agree" it was contrary to the constitutional relationship, while agreeing it should consult the Crown Dependencies in advance of including a PEC in legislation that may affect them.
• The government "accepts" the recommendation for a new How-To-Note on entrustments, and will review its guidance on extending UK legislation and emphasise the need for early and ongoing consultation.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error